Transmitting a “Western” genre to Japanese literature Edogawa Rampo – the Edgar Allan Poe of Japan

Edgar Allan Poe (1809 –1849) American writer, poet and literary critic. Created the genre of the detective story (character Auguste Dupin). Contributed to the development of such genres as Gothic horror and science-fiction. Among his major themes are madness, death, especially death of a young beautiful woman, and premature burial, all prompted by his short dramatic life.

Edogawa Rampo (1894-1965) Real name Hirai Tarō ; pen-name after Edgar Allan Poe. Started writing in the 1920s under the influence of Poe, Conan Doyle, Dostoevsky, etc. Author of detective, mystery, and horror stories. “Father” of Japanese mystery genre. A literary prize in his name was established in Japan. Many films, manga, and anime are based on his works.

Historical Context 1920-s-1950s: the time of rapid modernization of Japan. industrialization, capitalism replaces the feudal society. The society struggling to form a new identity. Development of middle class. Growth of urban population. Japan needed new literature: modern but patriotic.

Rampo’s Stories Foreign ideas, Japanese identity: western-style tales set in Japan. "The Case of the Murder on D. Hill” – compare to Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Dark and bizarre sides of human psyche. Elements of grotesque and eroticism.

“The Twins” (1924) Western literary influences: the Bible; Poe (“The Cask of Amontillado”); Dostoevsky (The Double); Stevenson (Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Psychoanalysis. A Japanese horror film based on the story.

“The Human Chair” (1925) What typical traits of mystery/horror stories are there? What are the main themes? What could be pointed out as western influence? What is specifically Japanese in the story? Why is Yashiko’s husband’s profession important?

“The Human Chair”: the attitude to foreign/domestic Social difference represented as ugliness (intra-cultural detachment). Higher society mingles with foreigners. Foreigners are impersonal, no human connection beyond physical is possible. Foreigners are lavish, Japanese are frugal. Foreign space is public, Japanese space is private. Japanese space provides hope and security.